Tonight at Sundown, Yom Kippur begins.
Yom Kippur is the Jewish “Day of Atonement.” It falls each year on the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tishrei, ten days after Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Yom Kippur is a day to reflect on the past year and ask for forgiveness for any sins.
Ten days ago, we celebrated Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. During these ten days, which we call the ten days of repentance, we contemplate what we would like to let go, forgive, and also take with us into this next year. Yom Kippur is referred to as the “Days of Repentence” or “Days of Awe” – a time when Jews can make a commitment to not repeat wrongs made in the last year.
How do you “repent?”
Well, traditionally, no food and drink is consumed for 25 hours, but as someone who has been “unwell” and unable to eat or drink for six years, I am not required to fast – thankfully!
Yom Kippur may seem solemn, as we spend the entire day starving in synagogue. But it is a beautifully contemplative holiday. We actually have to stop, pause and reflect on what this year has been for us, and think about what we’d like to forgive so we can not forget, but move forward.
Nobody expects a detour to happen, in life. It’s what happens when we think we have things planned and all figured out…and then we’re thrown a curveball.
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